2011 Fantasy outlooks: Philadelphia Eagles

Senior Fantasy Writer

July 7, 2011

Michael Vick, the field is yours. Do with it as you wish.

That's basically what happened last year, right? Vick took over for the injured Kevin Kolb in Week 1 and never looked back. He went from someone who was despised by all for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring to a player most Fantasy owners now covet on Draft Day.

Vick passed for 3,018 yards on 63 percent completions with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also added 676 rushing yards and nine touchdowns with just three fumbles. The passing yards, completion percentage, touchdowns and rushing touchdowns were all career highs, and he's looking to build on that performance this season.

Vick will remain in a contract year after being designated as Philadelphia's franchise player, and Fantasy owners should view him as a potential first-round pick. He should easily be drafted as one of the Top 3 quarterbacks and should have another dynamic season.

If there's a catch with Vick, it's that injuries could play a role -- he missed three games during the season with a rib injury and sat out the season finale to rest for the playoffs. But Vick's ability to pass and run makes him a unique asset that Fantasy owners have to at least think about in all formats with their first-round pick.

His encore to last season should be exciting, and he's one of four must-start Fantasy options for the Eagles along with LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. The Eagles once again should have an explosive offense.

McCoy is a first-round pick in all leagues, and he should be drafted at No. 6 overall after Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles and Ray Rice. Jackson is a low-end No. 1 Fantasy receiver, and he should be drafted as early as Round 2. And Maclin, who led the Eagles with 10 touchdowns in 2010, should be taken right after Jackson beginning in Round 3.

Bounce-back candidate ... Brent Celek, TE

Fantasy Value Chart
Player	Draft Day value
Quarterbacks
Michael Vick
Kevin Kolb
Running Backs
LeSean McCoy
Dion Lewis
Jerome Harrison
Wide Receivers
DeSean Jackson
Jeremy Maclin
Jason Avant
Riley Cooper
Tight Ends
Brent Celek
Kicker/DST
Alex Henery
David Akers
Eagles DST

Celek went from Fantasy stud in 2009 to dud in 2010. Two years ago, Celek had 76 catches for 971 yards and eight touchdowns and established himself as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end. But then last year, Celek fell apart with just 41 catches for 511 yards and four touchdowns. He spent more time blocking last year than he did in 2009, and he also failed to develop a rapport with Vick (or perhaps Vick overlooked him while aiming for McCoy, Jackson and Maclin). Heading into this season, Celek should play better than he did in 2010, but we still consider him a No. 2 Fantasy tight end. The potential is there for him to succeed, and if he starts off the season playing well then add him off the waiver wire. We hope the Celek of 2009 returns this year.

Keeper-league target ... Dion Lewis, RB

The Eagles drafted Lewis in the fifth round of the NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh. Lewis, who ran for 2,860 yards in two seasons, could be the No. 2 running back for the Eagles behind McCoy. There's still a chance the Eagles could bring back free agent Jerome Harrison or sign another veteran to play behind McCoy, but Lewis could end up in that role in the future. All it takes is one injury to McCoy, and Lewis could be in a featured role. He is worth taking with a late-round selection in keeper and dynasty leagues and as a possible handcuff option for McCoy.

Impact rookie ... Alex Henery, K

That's right, we're talking about a kicker. The Eagles drafted Henery in the fourth round of the NFL Draft out of Nebraska, and he will replace David Akers, who is a free agent. Henery was the most accurate kicker in NCAA history, converting 89.5 percent of his field-goal attempts. As the kicker for the Eagles offense, even as a rookie, he has immense Fantasy value and is worth drafting as a starter with a late-round pick. Keep in mind that the Eagles have one of the top offenses in the NFL, and Akers has been an elite Fantasy option for the majority of his career with at least 32 made field goals and 45 made extra points in each of the past three seasons.

Schedule breakdown

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17
@STL	@ATL	NYG	SF	@BUF	@WAS	bye	DAL	CHI	ARI	@NYG	NE	@SEA	@MIA	NYJ	@DAL	WAS

There aren't many weeks you would bench Vick, McCoy, Jackson or Maclin, and the Eagles should do well against most of their competition. Vick gets two games on turf to open the season, including a matchup with his former team against the Falcons. Philadelphia benefits from playing the NFC West, but the Eagles also have to face the AFC East. The matchup in Week 12 against New England should be intriguing to see how Bill Belichick's defense stacks up against Andy Reid's offense. And one potential road block for Fantasy owners could be having the Eagles face the Jets in Week 15 during playoff time.

Training camp topics

2010 Touches Leaders
* includes postseason
Player	Touches
LeSean McCoy	301
Jeremy Maclin	76
DeSean Jackson	65
Jason Avant	58
Jerome Harrison	49

Training camp for the Eagles will mostly be about staying healthy because the last thing any of us want to see is Vick, McCoy, Jackson or Maclin go down with an injury. They are too valuable to all Fantasy owners.

We'd like to see the Eagles establish a No. 2 running back behind McCoy to find a handcuff option with a late-round pick, and Lewis could be that rusher if a veteran isn't added via free agency. We also hope to see Celek more involved on offense.

In deeper leagues, Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Jason Avant and even Riley Cooper. One or both could be worth drafting with a late-round pick, and last year Avant had 51 catches for 573 yards and one touchdown as Vick's No. 3 receiver.

Injury update

DeSean Jackson (knee; probable for the start of training camp) ... Trent Cole (elbow; probable for the start of training camp)

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Hopkins works with starters
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU
10:47 AM

News: The Texans official team website reports that rookie receiver DeAndre Hopkins is making a good impression early on this offseason. “He’s such a dynamic player,” quarterback Matt Schaub said. “He’s just going to bring an added dimension to our offense.” Schaub cited Hopkins’ “great” attitude and work ethic, and is looking forward to what Hopkins will bring to the squad. Hopkins has practiced with the first-team offense, which meant he and Andre Johnson were the starting receivers. Johnson believes Hopkins is well on his way to contributing. “He’s picking up everything pretty well,” Johnson said. “He went and made some plays today and that’s a good thing. I think day-by-day, he’ll continue to get better and better.”

Analysis: Hopkins has the chance to be a solid contributor for the Texans as a rookie, and we would draft him as a key reserve with a mid-round pick. In rookie-only drafts, Hopkins is worth drafting with a first-round selection.

Nicks feeling good
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
10:22 AM

News: The New York Daily News reports that Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks said he's finally fully healthy. Nicks said he hasn't had any problems with the knee that bothered him throughout last season, and that he's feeling "as good as I've felt in awhile."

Analysis: It sounds like Nicks is well on his way to putting last year’s disappointment – 53 catches for 692 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games – in the past. If he's able to rebound at 100 percent then Nicks can return as a must-start Fantasy option, but he has to prove he can stay healthy, which has been a problem his entire career. We view Nicks as a high-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver. His value might improve to be a No. 2 option by Draft Day, but plan on drafting Nicks with a mid-round pick and hope he doesn't suffer any setbacks with his knee.

Dalton impresses on deep throws
Andy Dalton, QB, CIN
12:27 PM

News: The Cincinnati Enquirer noticed two highlight passes from Andy Dalton in OTA practice Tuesday, connecting on a bomb to A.J. Green on the first throw of the session and another to Marvin Jones, who beat double coverage. "I think it’s quickening up the drop or throwing the ball a little higher on different throws and things like that," Dalton said of what's changed on throwing deep. "With the time that we've had with the phase before this one getting into OTAs we've put in some work and I definitely see an improvement."

Analysis: Dalton is surrounded by good talent, from A.J. Green to Mohamed Sanu to a pair of tight ends in Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert. A quarterback with a good but not great arm needs to be surrounded by this kind of athleticism in order to be productive. Dalton's not necessarily one of the best passers in football but he's shown potential to be a great Fantasy option. For now he's a streaky one -- a few big games have always been followed by a few bad games -- but a good start in 2013 could change that. Consider Dalton among your backup Fantasy quarterback choices in the late rounds on Draft Day.

Shields absent from OTAs
Sam Shields, DB, GB
12:13 PM

News: Packers cornerback Sam Shields was a no-show at OTAs on Tuesday according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Shields is a restricted free agent who hasn't signed his tender offer.

Analysis: Sounds like Shields is showing his displeasure of not receiving an extended contract. Last season Shields returned from a high-ankle sprain to land four interceptions and 11 passes defensed in his last six games. With playing time expected to go up in 2013, he should figure into draft plans with a late-round pick.

Coach: Sanu's fine
Mohamed Sanu, WR, CIN
11:55 AM

News: Mohamed Sanu said he feels back to normal as he took the field for Bengals OTAs this week. The injured foot that ended his rookie season early appears to be in the rear-view mirror. Bengals receivers coach James Urban is confident Sanu will contribute. "There's things you have to do when there is 22 bodies on the field that you can't replicate," Urban said. "The cutting and the natural reaction stuff where you are putting your foot in the ground, doing all those things. He's fine."

Analysis: Before he got hurt Sanu was playing over 80 percent of the Bengals snaps and figures to see the same amount of time this season so long as he's healthy. We love the idea of taking him with a late-round pick in drafts this summer.

Revis has begun cutting
Darrelle Revis, DB, TB
11:50 AM

News: Darrelle Revis has been cleared by doctors to begin cutting as part of his rehab from a torn ACL. Revis still believes he'll be ready to play at the start of the season at the level he last played at.

Analysis: Revis greatly enhances a Bucs secondary that already added safety Dashon Goldson this spring and safety Mark Barron last April. But because he'll play opposite Eric Wright, offenses will figure it's easier to go after the lesser corner than the All Pro. Revis also will have to prove he's healthy and can chase receivers downfield or else he'll start to get picked on too. The Bucs play New Orleans, Atlanta and Carolina twice a year each and will see New England, San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia and Detroit's high-powered offenses as well. Revis is worth a late-round pick in drafts since he's rarely been a massive stat producer thanks to teams tending to shy away from him.

Worthy: I will play in 2013
Jerel Worthy, DT, GB
11:45 AM

News: Packers defensive lineman Jerel Worthy told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he plans on playing at some point this season after tearing his ACL in Week 17 last season.

Analysis: Worthy is a massive end who will do more work setting the edge for the Packers' linebackers than rack up stats. He shouldn't be a Fantasy consideration, particularly since he might not play anytime soon.

McCarthy at '80 percent'
Colin McCarthy, LB, TEN
11:43 AM

News: Colin McCarthy told The Tennessean he's still not quite healthy following offseason ankle surgery but that symptoms following a concussion have passed. “If I had to put a percentage on it, I’d say I’m probably about 80 percent,” McCarthy said Tuesday. “I think the biggest issue I’m having is just some of the acceleration, some of the cuts, some of the backpedals, just coming in and out of breaks. I don’t feel 100 percent."

Analysis: McCarthy has high tackle potential in the middle of the Tennessee offense but injuries could keep his numbers low. We see him as a low-risk, high-reward Fantasy linebacker if selected with a late-round pick. If he makes camp on-time then he could find himself going with a mid- to late-round choice. We'll keep track of his status.

Big Ben digs 'better' playbook
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
10:09 AM

News: Ben Roethlisberger took a while to come around on Todd Haley's playbook last offseason but has no problem with what the Steelers offensive coordinator has planned for 2013. "There's been some changes this offseason in some of the offensive philosophies, playbook and some things that I think are good," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review without mentioning specifics on the changes. "It's some compromise from all the different position coaches, the running back coaches, the line, and quarterback coaches. I think we've taken a little bit of everything and made it a lot better. ... You can ask anybody on offense that, including coaches, and they'll tell you that we all like the way the offense is and where it's going."

Analysis: If the Steelers have something in that playbook to enhance their offense with Mike Wallace moving on, then Roethlisberger will really have something to feel good about. Big Ben's top deep target has moved to Miami, leaving him with the skillful Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders along with rookie Markus Wheaton and veterans Jerricho Cotchery and Plaxico Burress. It's a tall order to expect Roethlisberger to have another awesome season with this receiving corps, particularly after the team spent a quality draft pick on rookie rusher Le'Veon Bell. Roethlisberger should be considered more of a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback this summer, albeit one with upside. You should be able to get him in the double-digit rounds in drafts.

Smith might miss start of camp
Aldon Smith, DE, SF
11:37 AM

News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports Niners linebacker Aldon Smith isn't sure if he'll be cleared in time for the start of training camp after having surgery to fix a torn labrum in his shoulder earlier this offseason.

Analysis: Smith still finished with a franchise-record 19.5 sacks, but just three came in his final five games. Fantasy owners should definitely keep an eye on the 23-year-old's status as he remains an elite option in all IDP formats.

More Updates

1	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Tom Brady, NE, QB
6	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
7	Robert Griffin III, WAS, QB
8	Russell Wilson, SEA, QB
9	Andrew Luck, IND, QB
10	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
All Rankings

1	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
2	C.J. Spiller, BUF, RB
3	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
4	Alfred Morris, WAS, RB
5	Frank Gore, SF, RB
6	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
7	DeMarco Murray, DAL, RB
8	Jamaal Charles, KC, RB
9	Stevan Ridley, NE, RB
10	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Dez Bryant, DAL, WR
3	Demaryius Thomas, DEN, WR
4	Brandon Marshall, CHI, WR
5	Wes Welker, DEN, WR
6	Eric Decker, DEN, WR
7	Reggie Wayne, IND, WR
8	Steve Smith, CAR, WR
9	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
10	Marques Colston, NO, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
5	Greg Olsen, CAR, TE
6	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
7	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
8	Dwayne Allen, IND, TE
9	Kyle Rudolph, MIN, TE
10	Delanie Walker, TEN, TE
All Rankings

1	Matt Prater, DEN, K
2	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
3	Shaun Suisham, PIT, K
4	Adam Vinatieri, IND, K
5	Blair Walsh, MIN, K
6	Nick Novak, SD, K
7	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
8	Jason Hanson, DET, K
9	Mason Crosby, GB, K
10	Josh Brown, NYG, K
All Rankings

1	Steelers, DST
2	49ers, DST
3	Broncos, DST
4	Chargers, DST
5	Seahawks, DST
6	Bengals, DST
7	Bills, DST
8	Patriots, DST
9	Texans, DST
10	Packers, DST
All Rankings